---
title: "Investigation and Charging"
module_id: "MOD-STAGE-INVESTIGATION-CHARGING-INDEX"
url: "https://jason93.com/legal/federal-process/modules/10-investigation-and-charging/"
current_through: "2026-08-26"
legal_review: "2026-08-25"
license: "CC BY 4.0"
---

# Investigation and Charging
Commencement, charging instruments, limitations, venue, and preaccusation timing.
This page is a verified navigation layer. The linked canonical modules, atomic claims, authority cards, and structured controls remain the legal source; this index does not create a rule from omission or shorthand.
## Canonical modules
| Module | Stage | Verification | Atomic claims |
|---|---|---|---:|
| [Federal Charging and Commencement](https://jason93.com/legal/federal-process/modules/10-investigation-and-charging/federal-charging-and-commencement.md) | `investigation-and-charging/federal-charging-and-commencement` | `verified_with_limitations` | 35 |

## Stage use controls
- Start with the actual docket posture and controlling court, not the desired remedy.
- Calculate every deadline from its stated triggering event and current computation rule.
- Separate jurisdiction, venue, prerequisites, merits, burden, proof, remedy, review, and appealability.
- Use the circuit overlay for any circuit-sensitive proposition and stop at records marked `not_verified`.
- Preserve the operative filings, orders, transcripts, exhibits, agency record, and proof of filing or service.
## Handoff to adjacent stages
Use the [federal process decision trees](https://jason93.com/legal/federal-process/modules/decision-trees.md) to identify prerequisites, alternative vehicles, appellate routes, and postjudgment interactions. Generated diagrams are navigation aids only; linked canonical modules control.